Fredi Gonzalez is Braves’ perfect choice to replace Cox
Fredi: The Braves have a jersey that will fit a little better than that one.
From the moment he inexplicably was fired as the Florida Marlins’ manager — and maybe even before — Fredi Gonzalez looked like the obvious choice to replace the Braves’ Bobby Cox.
Apparently, it was so obvious that Cox’s desk chair won’t have a chance to get cold.
Our David O’Brien is reporting that Gonzalez, the former Braves coach, will be introduced as the Braves’ new manager on Thursday — one day after Cox is scheduled to hold his going away news conference at Turner Field and three days after the team was eliminated in the National League Division Series.
If the timing is surprising, the choice isn’t.
Earlier Tuesday, I posted a column saying that the challenge of Cox’s replacement will be recreating the same clubhouse chemistry that Cox helped cultivate this year. Gonzalez will do that.
Braves general manager Frank Wren could not have made a better decision. Gonzalez is liked and respected by players. That was the case as a coach in Atlanta and the manager in Florida, despite being fired by Jeffrey Loria, the Marlins’ clueless owner. Loria is the same classless moron who ordered his team to not honor the retiring Cox in the Braves’ final visit in Florida, making Florida the only organization to do so. (Cox had criticized Loria for Gonzalez’ firing, and the truth apparently doesn’t go over well with him.)
I’ve banged the drum for Gonzalez before:
♦ Here when he benched the petulant Hanley Ramirez.
♦ Here when he was let go by the Marlins.
Gonzalez, who has maintained his home in Marietta, had winning teams in Florida in 2008 and 2009 despite working with the lowest payroll in the majors. He is like Cox in many ways in that he’s honest and up front with players, keeps an open line of communication and expects only hard work and unselfish play in return. He can be unlike Cox in that he will call out a player publicly if he is pushed to, as in the Ramirez case.
He does not play favorites, and that plays well in the clubhouse. Ramirez is Florida’s best player. But Gonzalez pulled him for loafing after a ball, then benched him the next night for throwing a fit and ripping his manager publicly.
Ramirez was quoted as saying:: “He never played in the big leagues,” and added: “It’s his team. He can do whatever he [expletive] wants.” He and Loria deserve each other.
Somehow, Gonzalez took the fall. But Gonzalez will end up with a better job, and the Braves will end up with the perfect replacement for Cox.
♦
EARLIER TODAY:
♦ Challenge of Cox’s replacement will be recreating chemistry
♦
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306 comments Add your comment
myra
October 12th, 2010
11:51 pm
Does anyone else get sort of a sour stomach looking at the ‘used to b ours guys’ playing for Atlanta West….um ..I mean Texas.
Will b interesting to see Cliff Lee battle his future employeer the NY Yankees
Looking Forward to Freddies (both of them)
October 12th, 2010
11:52 pm
AWESOME!! I hoped and thought this would happen but I was so afraid they might do something stupid.
I agree with some of the above comments. Anybody that knows anything about baseball applauds this decision. This is a guy who was forced to have the lowest budget in MLB and still put together teams with back to back winning seasons that just barely missed the playoffs. The Braves will give him twice as much to work with. I am excited to see what he will do with it.
Plus he seems to know when to pull a player at the right time. He has made nothing but sweet lemonade out of sour lemons.
Thank you Braves, this was definitely the right call.
REAL Braves fan
October 12th, 2010
11:54 pm
I think the Braves should explore trading Heyward now… he is becoming Franceur without the defense…
Ueeediot
October 12th, 2010
11:55 pm
Remember, they are about to break up that Tampa team. There are several good players over there I would like to have. Also may be a shakeup in Minnesota.
I hear Adam Dunn is a FA
JOD
October 12th, 2010
11:57 pm
I JUST HOPE HE DOESNT HAVE FAVORITES LIKE BOOBY DID, AND WILL YANK SOMEONE WHEN THEY ARE NOT PERFORMING.
Richard Starkey
October 12th, 2010
11:57 pm
Hey BUCK BELUE…now you know whose boots you have to lick next season. I don’t think I have ever heard such a shameless cheerleader in any market as old “one hit wonder” Belue during Braves coverage. I think both him and B.O. Mazzone would marry Bobby Cox if he asked them.
JOD
October 12th, 2010
11:59 pm
INFANTE AND PRADO NEED THE BE AT 2ND AND SS PERIOD!
JOD
October 13th, 2010
12:01 am
TIME TO RID OUR SELVES OF THE DEAD WEIGHT SS ALEX GONZALEZ, AND START FROM SCRATCH.
Love the Braves in NC
October 13th, 2010
12:03 am
Right call by Braves for Fredi.
myra
October 13th, 2010
12:03 am
hey richard did u notice how when 680 signed up w/Braves that ole kincaid sure was a lot quieter about his feel-ees this year. In years past he RAILED on and on about them and how the Braves were crap.
Guess McGuirk and Wren didn’t want to hear his trashin of the “Brand”
J-Hey
October 13th, 2010
12:05 am
Fredi’s a good hire, brings that familiar face back into the mix. I’m curious if he’ll have the “Staying Power” that Bobby had … these days you just don’t see one team keeping the same manager for so long.
I like Roger McD too but Pendleton I’m not set on. I think the Braves need to go back to the player-manager days and finally set up Chipper in his second career while he’s still playing his first.
Younger Than That Now
October 13th, 2010
12:07 am
TheAntiMe
“The last thing we need is for them to say, “Now that we’ve got Fredi Gonzalez, who has proven he can do a lot with a little, we can scrimp even more on the Braves.”
I agree and it scares me to death! I really don’t think McGuirk will allow that to happen though… at least I’m hoping. I don’t wish for bottomless pockets like the Yankees, Muts, Boston et al… but it would be nice to see them cut loose a few more $$$$ and try to fill a couple of needs that don’t appear to be hanging their gear at Gwinnett. But I just feel like the Braves are more or less like the GBPackers, and you can’t point to a guy and say “there’s the owner”, like we could when Captain T had the club… and I’m not wishing for the early Ted… all bucks and no brains.
Arthur Blank is the owner of the Falcons and everybody knows it, but he’s smart enough to let the people who know about “football” and the “business of football” do their jobs… and there’s a difference in the two… and then sit back and write the checks like the Captain did in the later years. It’s just a feeling of Liberty Media being a smaller version of Time-Warner. Maybe I’m wishing for something that’s not gonna ever happen, and I may live to regret that wish… but I’m willing to take that chance.
Whatever else happens now… I’m happy with Fredi G at the wheel, so let’s roll!
Dr. R
October 13th, 2010
12:10 am
Great choice indeed, but let’s hope Braves fans don’t hang him out to dry the first time they get shut out and clueless yahoos want to blame the coaching staff for not coming up with a better offensive game plan.
Looking Forward to Freddies (both of them)
October 13th, 2010
12:12 am
J-Hey,
I completely agree with the Chipper thought. I know it is now unorthodox, but I would not mind seeing Chipper as 3B and Batting Coach next season. Look at what he did with turning McClouth’s swing around (you have to admit that McClouth looks way better now than he did earlier this season).
Regardless, I think they have to let Pendleton go. I loved to watch him as a player but it seems like our hitting keeps getting worse (even J-Hey started to decline..) with Pendleton as hitting coach. Did you notice that Philly fired its hitting coach when they started to slump and instantly they started to hit again. It seems that all the mediocre hitters that left here recently went on to hit great at other Teams (see Kelly Jonhson, Jeff Francoer to a lesser extent).
Ueeediot
October 13th, 2010
12:13 am
BJ Upton CF and Evan Longoria 3B would be great additions over here.
Infield of Longoria, Gonzales, Prado, C Jones, with Infante and Freeman as backups
out field of Diaz Upton Heyward
Wonder if Joe Mauer can play 1b…Werth would be an interesting FA sign…Carlos Pena at 1b would be awesome too…
Quicherbichin
October 13th, 2010
12:17 am
Bravo, AntiMe!!! well said!!! Mitchell and company will continue to whine, and I will continue to be the voice of reason! After all…. If Mitchell had managed the 1962 Mets, they would have gone 162-0 and swept the AL winner away in 4 games, because Mitchell knows more about baseball than both Bobby Cox AND Casey Stengel!!! Mitchell’s coaching would have the pitchers never allowing a hit and the b batting 1.000. he has never made a mistake. just ask him… He’ll tell you.atters
Ueeediot
October 13th, 2010
12:18 am
The problem with Liberty Media is the same as with ESPN. Its run by people who were born and raised in the Northeast and by and large dont think much of Atlanta or care about the fans or the team. They are interested purely in the profitability of the enterprise.
MLB needs owners who are vested in their teams directly and we as fans need owners who are themselves fans. Look around at the successful teams in all sports. They are all owned by narcissistic egomaniacs. (Jerry Jones, Mark Cuban, Al Davis…)
Najeh Davenpoop
October 13th, 2010
12:22 am
I have no idea what kind of a manager Fredi Gonzalez is, but if he has the Bobby Cox stamp of approval, I think he can counted on to at least be pretty good.
MitchC
October 13th, 2010
12:34 am
For a brief time, before I heard about Freddi being hired, the idea of Torre crossed my mind, except for one problem. He’s too old. Joe is 70, Freddi will be only 47 when next season starts. It isnt likely Torre would stay more than 2-3 years. If Freddi can be successful, he;s at the age where he can stay several to even 10 years.
Hopefully, Chipper will and can return. The pitching is fine, but we do need one more run producer to be a serious threat The offense in the playoffs was pitiful.
Looking Forward to Freddies (both of them)
October 13th, 2010
12:38 am
Just a poll: what does everyone else think of Chipper being a player-coach next season ala 3B and Hitting Coach?
I know player-coaches have not been seen in a while, but in this case it makes perfect sense to me…
idot
October 13th, 2010
12:45 am
I wouldn’t want Torre anywhere near the arms of our young pitchers in that bullpen.
idot
October 13th, 2010
12:50 am
Joe Fishbreath @10:14…….I am supprised that you do not want the Braves to hire Terrel Owen as the new manager, considering all the man love you express for him, on the Falcon blogs.
Younger Than That Now
October 13th, 2010
12:54 am
Hitting coach and playing 3B at the same time… that’s a pretty good idea but not sure if it would ever come about. Chipper would probably be fine with it as long as he’s here and playing, but once he retires I don’t think you’ll see him again unless it’s to accept some type of honor or seeing Bobby Cox honored in some way. He would be good at it, but I’ve seen his dad up close and personal as a hitting coach, and for more than a few minutes, and he would be a great pick for hitting coach… better than most I’ve seen in action.
Looking Forward to Freddies (both of them)
October 13th, 2010
1:13 am
Younger Than That Now – thanks for the insights in to his character. I have watched Chipper since he was a rookie. To me he is as synonymous with the Atlanta Braves as Bobby Cox. I cannot imagine him not in a Braves uniform (during baseball season at least) or not connected to the Atlanta Braves in some capacity. I knew he was calm and focused 100 percent of the time, but I had no idea he was the quiet type or would just walk away completely. Wagner maybe, but not Chipper…
Fredi Gonzalez
October 13th, 2010
1:24 am
[...] Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported Tuesday. View. UPDATE 9:45pmPeter over at Capitol Avenue CluFredi Gonzalez – The Atlanta Braves are expected to hire former Florida Marlins skipper Fredi Gonzalez as manager, [...]
truth sir em
October 13th, 2010
1:33 am
That should have been Terry Pendleton’s job. look for moral to fall.
kreedham
October 13th, 2010
1:35 am
My guess is Fredi will keep Eddie, Roger and Glenn but he’ll want his own bench coach and 3rd base guy! As far as TP goes it’s a coin flip but I’ll bet he’s gone!
kreedham
October 13th, 2010
1:45 am
This is a little crazy and not likely to happen but….remember when Roger Clemens didn’t sign right away and by not doing so had to start about a third of the way into the season. Maybe Wagner could be talked into that…you know don’t turn in those retirement papers and join the team in June.
sportsmandh
October 13th, 2010
2:01 am
I am pumped about Fredi. You know he’s gonna love it and have a great incentive to stick it to the Marlins every year. And he knows how to duke it out with the Phils. Not sure about the numbers but I think the Marlins have fared pretty well verse the Phils the last few years.
I would’ve been kinda happy too if they’d talked to Torre, but it’s a no brainer. Fredi is a perfect fit and so much younger.
Fredi Gonzalez
October 13th, 2010
2:04 am
[...] Fredi Gonzalez Is Braves' Perfect Choice To Replace Cox | Jeff Schultz From the moment he inexplicably was fired as the Florida Marlins’ manager — and maybe even before — Fredi Gonzalez looked like the obvious choice to. [...]
Nobleman
October 13th, 2010
2:19 am
Great hire, don’t forget that screwy owner of the Marlins fired Joe G, the Yankee manager too. I’d like to see a new batting coach, can’t hurt.
Darn... It's over
October 13th, 2010
2:19 am
http://pricezack.wordpress.com/2010/10/12/the-end-of-an-era/ pretty interesting read for all braves fans
TheAntiMe
October 13th, 2010
2:20 am
Good point about Fredi wanting to stick it to the Marlins, sportsmandh. If anyone were to ask him, I’m sure he would say that he has no desire to stick it to the Marlins and that they are just another team. But, Fredi would be less than human if he didn’t want to beat the crud out of the team owned by the egomaniac who had no appreciation for the fine job that Gonzalez did with the Marlins.
This is a welcome bonus as, I believe, that Fredi can be a major impetus toward finally being able to consistently beat a team that has seemingly had the Braves number ever since they came into the league.
Now, if only he can do something about those darned Nationals, as well.
P. Bull Terrier
October 13th, 2010
2:29 am
I wonder what FREDI Gonzalez would have said to ALEX Gonzalez when he didn’t bother to run to first base in Game 4 the other night.
Bravedawg
October 13th, 2010
2:30 am
Fredi will be a great hire. Look at what he did with a whole lot less than Bobby had. Let him use the resources that Bobby had and see what he can do. It should make for some exciting years.
As for Fredi’s handling of the Ramirez incident, he won’t have to worry about that here. The Braves have always had a business-like, classy attitude amongst the players and coaches. No one was brought in that thought they were bigger than the team. And if the attitude began to emerge, the player didn’t stay around long. The players kinda policed themselves.
As for Chipper, I’m willing to bet he plays another year (if capable), retires a life-long Brave, then becomes the hitting coach. He’ll stay with the organization, but no way stay in an office. If he finds out in the Spring that he is unable to play the caliber he wants, he’ll be a hitting instructor in the minors for the year, then move up the following year.
kirkinga
October 13th, 2010
2:36 am
I’m a big TP supporter primarily because I believe the offensive numbers have been much better than they were under his predesessors. I think the numbers have exceeded the talent level on the teams each season even with some high profile failures.
That said, I think it would be best for TP to move on, take over another team and do well.
In sports, it seems as if 99% of those who follow legends never are able to duplicate the successes and most do not last very long. I’d be surprised if Gonzalez is here 5 years from now, especially if the Braves don’t make the playoffs once or twice. There doesn’t appear to be any advantage for TP should he stick around.
If he leaves and has success, then he would probably head the list of potential Gonzalez successors. If Ned Yost turns the Royals around then he may be atop that list as well. Of course this assumes stable ownership and a desire to stay in-house when choosing managers.
So I wish Gonzalez the best of luck and hope he can be that rare exception that is able to stick after taking over for a legend. Unless Liberty increases payroll, then the Braves are going to still be constrained by Chipper’s and Lowe’s contracts. There also doesn’t appear to be much in the way of talented position players in the minors. So improving the roster quickly doesn’t appear to be in the immediate future.
Good luck Fredi, you got what you wanted.
wxwax
October 13th, 2010
2:42 am
*snort*
Gonazles
*snarckle*
Younger Than That Now
October 13th, 2010
3:00 am
“Darn… it’s over”… thanks for the link to that article. That was well written and a good summary of a lot of people’s feelings. That is the one thing that irritates me about the Bobby Cox bashers here… they are entitled to their opinion and the opportunity to express it, but this is not the time or the place for it. And as I mentioned to Mark Bradley Monday night after game… I wish for one time, just one time, that those bashers would give it a rest for a while and just let those that want to express their thoughts, thanks and appreciation for Bobby Cox have a little time and a little space to do it without having to try to brush that to the side.
Anyway… thanks for that and I endorse your endorsement of it.
Fredi Gonzalez is Braves' perfect choice to replace Cox | Jeff Schultz | ENA news
October 13th, 2010
3:49 am
[...] Original post: Fredi Gonzalez is Braves' perfect choice to replace Cox | Jeff Schultz [...]
Darkpassenger
October 13th, 2010
5:35 am
The real question is, what the H*ll is wrong with Jeff Loria’s face?
http://a323.yahoofs.com/ymg/ept_sports_mlb_experts__63/ept_sports_mlb_experts-174436561-1283698613.jpg?ym2OUuDDPGU5aG__
Seriously, is that just the way he looks? Was he in some kind of accident? Is his face melting?
Revived Braves Fan
October 13th, 2010
5:52 am
I read all the above blogs with interest and the overwhelming majority approve of the hiring of FG. I have no opinion until at least one full season
under FG is completed. However, I do wish him the best and hope Braves
will get the players they need to compete with the Phillies.
Chipper's ACL
October 13th, 2010
5:58 am
At least Wren didn’t need to think about this one. Was there really another choice as Bobby’s replacement? I’m sure Fredi was high on most teams wish list. Now the questions arise about his coaching staff. Will he bring some or most of the Fla staff to Atl? MAybe St. Claire in as pitching coach. McDowell seemed to do an ok job but I don’t feel Hanson has been handled correctly. His stats are good but watching him all season not work off that blazing fastball, that’s a coaching issue. It was sickening seeing this kid try to throw his second or third best pitch to get a first pitch strike. First pitch fastball should be his rule and locating it is what needs to be defined. Could be McCann calling for it or Tommy waving it off but it boils down to the coach taking control. St. Claire also worked with all of the studs in the Marlins rotation. Should be interesting. I could also see Dave Collins as 1B coach. No offense to Hubby but most successful teams 1B coach had been a threat to steal a base during their playing time. Collins was one of the best during his time and this team sure needs to be aggressive on the bases. I think Perez will return in the pen or maybe even as the bench coach. I hope TP doesn’t return because his hitting style isn’t condusive to this team. You coach to a players abilities, not try to reform everyone to your style. We drew tons of walks but it sure got old watching every batter take two strikes. I’d love to see an aggressive hitting coach brought in but can’t think of anyone that may be available. Should be an interesting next few days.
Kbrab
October 13th, 2010
6:53 am
Great hire. It’s the one I wanted and expected. The only coach I hope is replaced is TP. A good man, but I just don’t think he really is able to help hitters as effectively as you want in the bigs.
Troy Glaus
October 13th, 2010
7:14 am
Frank Wren is an idiot.
Joe Tess Fish House
October 13th, 2010
7:16 am
Enter your comments here
E-6
October 13th, 2010
7:16 am
A good and logical hire. The Dave Collins suggestion above is fascinating – particularly after watching Texas run Tampa Bay out of the playoff last night and not with burners but guys like Molina and Vlady. I would also opt for a different bench coach and if we hire someone like Collins find another role for Hub – excellent infield coach..
danbo
October 13th, 2010
7:17 am
Good hire only if he boots TP out. We have needed a real batting coach for years. TP has taken many 300 hitters and in just weeks got them down to 150….
If TP goes the Braves will have a much improved team next year.
Big G
October 13th, 2010
7:17 am
Bobby Cox was an OK manager. If you gave me the best starting rotation the game has ever seen, Maddox, Glavine and Smoltz, I guarantee you I would have won more World Series than Bobby did.
Joe Tess Fish House
October 13th, 2010
7:17 am
Opps I hit enter 2 soon. Its good 2 see that oters see it the way I do and Gonzales is not the write hire. Thanks for the support.
Kudzu Rules
October 13th, 2010
7:26 am
Now its time for Wren to acquire some legitimate hitters !